At Hethersett VC Primary School, we believe in a curriculum that is broad, balanced and valued across all subjects. Our Computing curriculum equips children to be confident, creative and responsible members of an increasingly digital world. We recognise that technology is an integral part of modern life and that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving society.

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Recognise prior learning, provide first-hand experiences and build resilience
• Develop problem-solving skills, creativity and logical thinking
• Promote purposeful learning, digital literacy and coherent progression
• Encourage children to become responsible, safe and confident users of technology

We use the Kapow Primary Computing curriculum to deliver lessons that are engaging, progressive and relevant to the world our pupils live in. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop children’s understanding of computer science, information technology and digital literacy, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and skills needed for future learning and employment.

Every child is seen as unique, valued and celebrated within our school community. We underpin learning with skills, knowledge and values, offering opportunities for children to explore technology creatively, solve real-world problems and understand the role technology plays in their lives.

Our Christian values guide us to nurture responsibility, wisdom, compassion and truthfulness in the digital world. These values help children understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and positively, while preparing them for learning, life and future success.

Intent

At Hethersett VC Primary School, we want every child to become a confident and capable digital citizen. Through the Kapow Primary Computing curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and use technology effectively, safely and creatively.

Our curriculum aims to:

• Develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills
• Build understanding of how digital systems and networks work
• Enable pupils to create, analyse and evaluate digital content
• Foster creativity through programming, multimedia and digital design
• Develop digital literacy skills that allow pupils to communicate and collaborate effectively
• Equip children with the knowledge to stay safe, respectful and responsible online

Computing is both a subject in its own right and a powerful tool that supports learning across the wider curriculum. We want pupils to understand not only how technology works, but also how it shapes the world around them.

Implementation

Computing is taught through the structured and progressive Kapow Primary curriculum, which ensures coverage of the National Curriculum whilst building knowledge and skills sequentially from Reception to Year 6.

Through carefully designed units, pupils develop understanding in key areas including:

• Computer systems and networks
• Programming and coding
• Data and information
• Creating media
• Digital communication and collaboration
• Online safety and digital citizenship

Lessons are practical, engaging and knowledge-rich. Children are encouraged to explore, investigate, create and solve problems using a range of digital tools and technologies. Key concepts are revisited and built upon over time, enabling pupils to develop increasing confidence and independence.

Online safety is woven throughout the curriculum and taught as an integral part of children's digital education. Pupils learn how to stay safe online, manage risks, protect their personal information and behave respectfully when using technology.

Teachers use the progression and resources provided through Kapow to ensure learning is consistently delivered, builds on prior knowledge and enables all pupils to succeed.

Impact

The impact of our Computing curriculum is reflected in pupils who are confident, knowledgeable and responsible users of technology.

Throughout lessons, teachers use formative assessment strategies including:

• Questioning and discussion
• Retrieval practice
• Practical computing tasks
• Observation of pupils' application of skills
• Self and peer evaluation

These approaches allow teachers to identify misconceptions, adapt teaching and support pupils in securing key knowledge and skills.

Kapow's assessment materials also provide opportunities to check understanding and measure progress over time.

By the time they leave Hethersett VC Primary School, pupils will:

• Be digitally literate and confident in using technology
• Understand key computing concepts and principles
• Apply computational thinking and problem-solving skills independently
• Create and evaluate digital content for different purposes
• Understand how to stay safe and responsible online
• Use technology creatively, ethically and effectively
• Be well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in an increasingly digital world

Throughout their time at Hethersett, children benefit from meaningful opportunities to use technology across the curriculum, helping them develop confidence, independence and a lifelong curiosity about the digital world.